Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62D—CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES OR FOR COMBATING OR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS
  • A62D3/00—Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances
  • A62D3/30—Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances by reacting with chemical agents
  • A62D3/38—Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances by reacting with chemical agents by oxidation; by combustion
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
  • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
  • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
  • A61L2/18—Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D1/00—Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
  • C11D1/66—Non-ionic compounds
  • C11D1/72—Ethers of polyoxyalkylene glycols
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
  • C11D17/0008—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties aqueous liquid non soap compositions
  • C11D17/0017—Multi-phase liquid compositions
  • C11D17/0021—Aqueous microemulsions
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
  • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
  • C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
  • C11D3/2068—Ethers
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
  • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
  • C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
  • C11D3/2093—Esters; Carbonates
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
  • C11D3/43—Solvents
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62D—CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES OR FOR COMBATING OR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS
  • A62D2101/00—Harmful chemical substances made harmless, or less harmful, by effecting chemical change
  • A62D2101/02—Chemical warfare substances, e.g. cholinesterase inhibitors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62D—CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES OR FOR COMBATING OR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS
  • A62D2101/00—Harmful chemical substances made harmless, or less harmful, by effecting chemical change
  • A62D2101/20—Organic substances

Definitions

• This invention is concerned with compositions for use in decontamination formulations, and decontamination formulations for treatment of surfaces, and in particular surfaces contaminated with chemical and/or biological warfare agents.
• Decontaminant formulations for chemical and biological warfare agents commonly comprise aggressive solvents, such as xylene and toluene, and aggressive decontamination reagents. Aggressive solvents are required to both solvate the warfare agents and to solvate the acrylic polymers that are often added to chemical warfare agents to encourage them to stick to surfaces. These formulations are environmentally unfriendly and often unsuitable for decontaminating sensitive surfaces and equipment. It is therefore desirable to develop effective decontamination formulations for chemical warfare agents and biological warfare agents that are less toxic, less harsh and more environmentally friendly. Decontaminant formulations which conform to the high NATO decontamination standards are also required.
• the present invention generally aims to provide effective compositions and decontamination formulations which are less toxic, less harsh and more environmentally friendly, and decontamination formulations which conform to NATO decontamination standards.
• the present invention provides a composition for use in a decontamination formulation comprising at least one surfactant and at least one of dimethyl adipate, dimethyl glutamate, dimethyl succinate and an alkylene glycol alkyl ether whereby said composition provides a phase stable microemulsion when mixed with a water-based solvent.
• the composition provides a phase stable microemulsion when mixed with a water-based solvent and a decontamination reagent.
• the composition may further comprise a decontamination reagent, or the water-based solvent may comprise a decontamination reagent.
• the decontamination reagent is preferably a reagent capable of decontaminating and/or deactivating chemical warfare agents and/or biological warfare agents.
• Suitable reagents include sodium percarbonate and magnesium monoperoxyphthalate.
• phase stable microemulsion is one that is stable for at least 15 min, and preferably at least 30 min.
• a microemulsion is particularly ideal for decontaminating chemical warfare agents as the presence of the organic based composition provides an environment for solubilising the agent and for dissolving any acrylic polymers, whilst the water-based solvent provides an environment for dissolving the reagent. Furthermore, microemulsions have large phase interfaces allowing for a rapid reaction between the agents and the decontamination reagent. Microemulsions however in general contain a high percentage of water which could provide a logistical burden, and thus a composition is provided which may be diluted in a water-based solvent at the point of use.
• the water-based solvent is preferably water as may be provided by local supplies in the vicinity where decontamination is required, for example on a battlefield, thus reducing the need to transport large volumes of liquid. It has been shown that an impure water source, and even sea water, is generally a suitable water-based solvent.
• Dimethyl adipate, dimethyl glutamate and dimethyl succinate are particularly good for dissolving the acrylic polymers known to be blended with chemical warfare agents. They also have an acceptable environmental and toxicity profile.
• Alkylene glycol alkyl ethers also possess these properties, but in addition produce the most stable emulsions in the presence of reactive peroxy compounds, often the choice of decontamination reagent for deactivating a chemical warfare agent.
• the alkylene glycol alkyl ether may for example be dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether or diethylene glycol monobutyl ether.
• the at least one surfactant enables a microemulsion to be formed.
• surfactants include alcohol ethoxylates, the cationic surfactant N-alkyl tallow trimethyl ammonium chloride (Noramium MS 50), and dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid (DDBSA), which may be neutralised with monoethanolamine or triethanolamine.
• the at least one surfactant preferably comprises an alcohol ethoxylate which enables emulsification of any water insoluble materials, such as oils or grease, that may protect chemical warfare agents.
• Various alcohol ethoxylates could be used having differing degrees of ethoxylation and differing chain length alcohols.
• the alcohol ethoxylate may be C 9 -C 11 alcohol ethoxylate 6EO which offers good stability of the microemulsion in the presence of peroxy compounds.
• the composition forms a phase stable microemulsion comprising between 5% and 50% v/v of the composition, more preferably between 5% and 30% v/v of the composition, and most preferably about 20% v/v of the composition.
• the composition preferably comprises a solvent containing at least two of dimethyl adipate, dimethyl glutamate and dimethyl succinate, and more preferably a solvent containing all three of dimethyl adipate, dimethyl glutamate and dimethyl succinate.
• a solvent containing all three the relative percentages in the solvent are preferably of dimethyl adipate 10 to 25% v/v, dimethyl glutamate 55 to 65% v/v and dimethyl succinate 15 to 25% v/v.
• Such a solvent is the commercially available dibasic ester solvent (Dupont), an environmentally friendly alternative to harsher solvents.
• compositions comprising a solvent containing all three of dimethyl adipate, dimethyl glutamate and dimethyl succinate enhances the safety aspects of the product with regard to ignition.
• the composition preferably comprises, by weight, between about 10 to 60% alkylene glycol alkly ether, between about 20 to 35% of a solvent containing dimethyl adipate, dimethyl glutamate and dimethyl succinate, and between about 5 to 30% of an alcohol ethoxylate.
• the first solvent more preferably comprises between about 40 to 60% alkylene glycol alkyl ether.
• the composition comprises, by weight, 20% C 9 -C 11 alcohol ethoxylate 6EO, 50% dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, and 30% of a solvent containing dimethyl adipate, dimethyl glutamate and dimethyl succinate.
• the composition may further comprise a thickening agent.
• a thickened microemulsion will provide improved adherence to surfaces, especially vertical surfaces, increase retention time and enable decontamination to proceed on the contaminated surface as distinct from the surrounding environment.
• Suitable thickening agents include xanthan gum and UltrezTM 10 carbomer. Thickening agents should be selected such to avoid inhibiting the activity of the decontamination reagent. For example a microemulsion comprising up to about 5% xanthan gum is suitable for use with the reagent sodium percarbonate and a microemulsion comprising up to about 2.5% UltrezTM 10 carbomer is suitable for use with the reagent magnesium monoperoxyphthalate.
• composition may further comprise agents suitable for stabilisation of the decontamination reagent.
• agents such as hydrotropes and tall oil fatty acids based soaps are suitable for stabilising peroxy reagents such as sodium percarbonate and magnesium monoperoxyphthalate.
• Suitable hydrotropes include MONOTROPETM 810 (Uniqema) which comprises 15-30% potassium salt of decanoic acid and 15-30% potassium salt of octanoic acid.
• Suitable tall oil fatty acids include tall oil fatty acid 1 (TOFA1) and tall oil fatty acid 25 (TOFA25).
• the composition comprises, by weight, 40% diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, 29% of a solvent comprising dimethyl adipate, dimethyl glutamate and dimethyl succinate, 19.3% C 9 -C 11 alcohol ethoxylate 6EO, 3.5% TOFA1, 1.2% of a 99% triethanolamine solution and 7% MONOTROPETM 810.
• This composition forms a phase stable emulsion when diluted to 20% v/v with the second water-based solvent, in the presence of either 5% sodium percarbonate or 5% magnesium monoperoxyphthalate as the decontamination reagent.
• Tests have shown the final decontamination formulations to be capable of thorough decontamination of surfaces containing chemical warfare agents such as mustard (bis-(2-chloroethyl)sulphide, V nerve agents and G nerve agents, and biological warfare agents, to NATO decontamination standards.
• chemical warfare agents such as mustard (bis-(2-chloroethyl)sulphide, V nerve agents and G nerve agents, and biological warfare agents, to NATO decontamination standards.
• the present invention provides a decontamination formulation comprising a composition of the first aspect, a water-based solvent and a decontamination reagent whereby the decontamination formulation is a phase stable microemulsion.
• the decontamination formulation preferably comprises between 5% and 50% v/v of the composition, more preferably between 5% and 30% v/v of the composition, and most preferably about 20% v/v of the composition.
• Suitable decontamination reagents include peroxy reagents such as sodium percarbonate and magnesium monoperoxyphthalate.
• the present invention provides a decontamination kit comprising a composition of the first aspect and a decontamination reagent.
• the decontamination kit may further comprise a water-based solvent and/or apparatus means for producing and/or dispensing a phase-stable microemulsion.
• the present invention provides decontamination formulations of the second aspect and decontamination kits of the third aspect for treating surfaces.
• the decontamination formulations and decontamination kits are preferably for treating surfaces contaminated with chemical warfare agents and/or biological warfare agents.
• the chemical warfare agents include sulfur mustard, V nerve agents and G nerve agents.
• Surfaces may be the surfaces of instrumentation, vehicles and clothing.
• the present invention provides a method for decontaminating a surface to remove a toxic chemical, said method comprising applying a decontamination formulation of the second aspect to a surface.
• compositions comprising either dibasic ester solvent (ESTA) and/or dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether were identified as good solvents for forming phase stable microemulsions, when diluted with a water-based solvent, suitable for solvating chemical warfare agent simulants. These solvents are also capable of dissolving the acrylic polymers known to be blended with chemical warfare agents.
• ESTA comprises dimethyl adipate (10 to 25% v/v), dimethyl glutamate (55 to 65% v/v) and dimethyl succinate (15 to 25% v/v). It was also shown that any of the three solvents alone could be used in forming a phase stable microemulsion.
• Initial compositions comprised at least one of the above mentioned solvents and a surfactant (C 9 -C 11 alcohol ethoxylate 6EO) which when diluted (20% v/v) in water formed a phase stable microemulsion.
• the compositions diluted (20% v/v) in water were then assessed in three tests, a solvation test (test 1), a soak test (test 2) and a spray test (test 3), with a number of chemical warfare agent simulants, methyl salicylate (MS), thickened MS (TMS), triethyl phosphate (TEP), thickened TEP (TTEP), tripropyl phosphate (TPP) and thickened TPP (TTPP).
• Each composition has properties suitable for use as the organic phase of a decontamination microemulsion.
• Chemical warfare agent simulant is added to diluted composition (formulation) dropwise whilst stirring until the capacity of the formulation is reached, i.e. until the solution phase separates or the simulant is no longer taken up into solution. The capacity is calculated, and the experiment repeated for each simulant.
• Chemical warfare agent simulant is added (5 ⁇ 2 ⁇ l drops) to a small glass plate (2 ⁇ 2 cm) of known weight and left in contact with the plate for 1 h.
• the plate plus simulant is then weighed.
• the plate is placed in a Petri dish on a level stable surface, and to this is added formulation (40 ml, or enough to cover the plate), carefully pouring the formulation into the side of the Petri dish, away from the plate.
• the formulation is left to soak for 30 min.
• the plate is carefully removed from the Petri dish, dipped into water to rinse and then placed in a beaker containing iso-propyl alcohol (IPA) solution (50 ml), and left for 2 h.
• the IPA solution is agitated to encourage solvation.
• the IPA solution containing simulant is then analysed. The higher the percentage recovery of simulant in the IPA solution is proportional to, and corresponds to, a lower solubility and/or lower decontamination of the simulant by
• Chemical warfare agent simulant is added (8 ⁇ 25 ⁇ l drops; 4 ⁇ 50 ⁇ l drops for TTEP and TTPP) to a large plate (10 ⁇ 16 cm) of known weight and left in contact with the plate for 1 h.
• the plate plus simulant is then weighed.
• the plate is mounted on a rig such to hold the plate in a vertical orientation, and formulation (50 ml) sprayed onto the plate.
• the volume delivered, the pressure of delivery (50 ml over 30 s), the distance of the spray head from the plate (40 cm) and the number of spray passes (30) must be consistent between tests.
• the plate is then left to soak for 30 mins.
• the plate is removed from the rig, dipped once in water to rinse, then placed in a solution of IPA (200 ml) for 2 h.
• the IPA solution is agitated to encourage salvation.
• the IPA solution containing simulant is then analysed. The higher the percentage recovery of simulant in the IPA solution is proportional to, and corresponds to, a lower solubility and/or lower decontamination of the simulant by the formulation.
• compositions investigated were E7, E12, E21, E22, E23, E24 and composition A.
• the three tests were carried out with formulations comprising a 20% v/v dilution of each composition in water.
• test 1 all seven formulations readily solvated 1.5% (w/v) TEP. The majority of formulations were able to solvate 1.8% TEP, except for E7 and composition A which solvated 1.1% TPP. MS was the most difficult unthickened simulant to solvate, with E24 solvating more than 0.7%, but all other formulations were less than 0.3%. A white solid (possibly polymer thickener) appeared in all formulations after addition of 0.1% TTEP or TTPP to 50 ml of formulation. Only composition A was able to solvate TMS, though the formulation began to phase separate after addition of 0.2% TMS.
• test 3 with the exception of diluted (20% v/v) composition A, all plates were completely dry within 10 min of applying the formulation.
• the plates sprayed with a formulation of composition A remained wet for longer than for all the other simulants, the majority of which ran off immediately and thus coverage of the plate for 30 min was not achieved.
• All plates dosed with MS, TEP or TPP appeared clean at the end of the 30 min soak/drain period.
• the thickened simulants were however clearly visible on all plates throughout the test, though after spraying the decontaminant did lose their colourless appearance. Rinsing the plates in water did not remove simulant.
• the TMS dosed plate sprayed with formulation of composition A had significantly less thickened simulant visible after 30 min, than using other formulations. The recovery of simulant from the plates after at the end of the test was generally much higher than for test 2.
• dibasic ester solvent contains 10-25% dimethyl adipate, 55-65% dimethyl glutarate and 15-25% dimethyl succinate;
• c decontamination formulations containing CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 are made by adding, with stirring, the Ultrez 10 and decontamination reagent to the water then finally adding the composition;
• F32 Dibasic ester solvent 30 Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether 50 C9-11 alcohol ethoxylate, 6EO 20 Thickener Carbopol TM Ultrez 10 c (2.5%) is then added to the micro- emulsion (20% v/v dilution of composition in water).
• F33 Dibasic ester solvent 30 Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 50 C9-11 alcohol ethoxylate, 6EO 20 Thickener Carbopol TM Ultrez 10 c (2.5%) is then added to the micro- emulsion (20% v/v dilution of composition in water).
• KZAN d is Kelzan S TM (fCPKelco); a xanthan gum
• TOFA25 is tall oil fatty acid with 25-30% rosin acids
• Composition A comprises a dibasic ester solvent (30 wt %), containing 10-25% dimethyl adipate, 55-65% dimethyl glutarate and 15-25% dimethyl succinate, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (50 wt %) and C 9 -C 11 alcohol ethoxylate, 6EO (20 wt %).
• the improvements focussed on increasing solvation capacity, thickening of both the composition and the diluted (20% v/v) composition in water and the stability of decontamination reagents, especially sodium percarbonate and magnesium monoperoxyphthalate, in the diluted (20% v/v) composition in water.
• the solvation properties were improved by increasing the percentage of the dibasic ester solvent, at the expense of the dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, in composition A. This however caused instability of the 20% v/v dilution in water.
• the stability was however restored by incorporating the surfactant dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid into the composition and neutralising with either monoethanolamine (F11) or triethanolamine (F9). The alcohol ethoxylate was then removed as it found that it was no longer required for stability of the microemulsion.
• composition F12 Thickening of the final formulation (20% v/v of composition in water) was achieved by adding cationic surfactant Noramium MS 50 (N-alkly tallow trimethyl ammonium chloride in IPA/water) to the composition (F12).
• the composition F12 therefore comprised the dibasic ester solvent (30.3 wt %), dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (18%), dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid (24.3 wt %), monoethanolamine (4.9 wt %) and Noramium MS 50 (22.5 wt %).
• a formulation of F12 diluted (20% v/v) in water was then compared with a formulation of composition A diluted (20% v/v) in water in tests 1 to 3 with TMS, TTEP and TTPP.
• the formulation of F12 was observed to cling to the vertical test plates of test 3 for the entire 30 minute soak period. There appeared to be less simulant on the plates after the 30 min period than when using previous formulations.
• Analysis of the final IPA solution showed that although removal of TMS by the formulation of F12 was not as good as that for the formulation of composition A, the removal of TTEP and TTPP was greatly improved.
• compositions are able to form phase stable microemulsions in fresh and sea water.
• Decontamination formulations of composition A, F12, F9, F11, and further compositions were capable of producing a phase stable microemulsion when diluted (20% v/v) in sea water. Only one composition (F22) did not produce a phase stable microemulsion when diluted (20% v/v) with sea water.
• Composition F20 was the only composition to retain enough viscosity to prevent complete run off from the vertical plate in test 3.
• the stability of decontamination reagents with F12 was also investigated, especially the stability of sodium percarbonate and magnesium monoperoxyphthalate in the diluted (20% v/v) composition in water.
• Addition of 5% magnesium monoperoxyphthalate to diluted F12 (20% v/v) in water caused phase separation, however a phase stable microemulsion was produced with a 25% v/v dilution of F12 in 1% sodium polymetaphosphate.
• a phase stable microemnulsion could however also be produced with a composition comprising 5% alcohol ethoxylate (modified F12 composition).
• a formulation of modified F12 diluted in tap water is capable of providing a phase stable microemulsion with both 5% magnesium monoperoxyphthalate and 5% sodium percarbonate.
• Modified F12 also has a stability of 30 min at room temperature when made with sea water, and with addition of 5% magnesium monoperoxyphthalate.
• CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 Noveon Europe
• MethocelTM K15-DGS-E hydroxypropyl methylcellulose Dow Europe SA
• xanthan gum a variety of thickening agents was also investigated including CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 (Noveon Europe), MethocelTM K15-DGS-E hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Dow Europe SA) and xanthan gum.
• CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 added to composition A formed clumps which did not disperse, however addition of the thickener (3% w/v of microemulsion) to the water before, after or as a blend with reagent magnesium monoperoxyphthalate did create thickening, which increased greatly when composition A was added. In the absence of magnesium monoperoxyphthalate the increased viscosity was not generated when composition A was added.
• a formulation comprising 2.75% CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 gave the microemulsion the viscosity required to cling to vertical surfaces.
• the formulation When applied to a test 3 TMS contaminated vertical plate the formulation remained as a thick layer with a gel-like appearance on the surface for the entire 30 min, and did not appear to drag TMS down the plate. It did appear as though a large proportion of the TMS had dissolved in the formulation.
• compositions comprising diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (F32) or ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (F33) rather than dipropylene glycol mono methyl ether required only 2.5% CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 to thicken microemulsions. These formulations also removed more TMS from test 3 plates than the F31 based formulation. The highest recovery of TMS was 3.9%. The F32 based formulation was also able to solvate drops of TMS in test 1.
• CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 in formulations of diluted (20% v/v) F32 plus 5% magnesium monoperoxyphthalate were varied from 1.2%, with a viscosity close to that of water, to 2.8%, which had to be poured over the plate as it was too thick to spray.
• the optimum level of thickener in presence of magnesium monoperoxyphthalate was found to be around 2.5%, which was also the amount found to give the formulation excellent cling properties to vertical surfaces.
• Test 2 and test 3 were also carried out with formulations comprising various dilutions of F32.
• the viscosity was shown to reach a maximum with a 10% v/v dilution of F32 in water, with the viscosity decreasing as the dilution of F32 decreased.
• the percentage CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 was also varied.
• MMPA magnesium monoperoxyphthalate
• CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 had the shortest wetting out time of all the available Carbapols and the thickened microemulsion could be formed in minutes, it was not desirable to have to add the thickener component separately as a powder. It was however shown that CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 could be introduced to F32 composition without forming clumps by gradually adding into the vortex of the stirring composition, and continuing to stir for several hours. The thickener wet out and therefore thickened the composition over several days, aided by the addition of 5% water. The maximum amount of thickener that could be included in the F32 composition to leave a pumpable composition was found to be 1.8% w/v, equivalent to 0.36% in the microemulsion (at 20% composition).
• the viscosity of the microemulsion did not appear to be significantly greater that that of unthickened formulation, and addition of magnesium monoperoxyphthalate caused phase separation.
• the phase separation could however be prevented by using a solution of 0.5% citric acid in place of water to make the microemulsion.
• F32 composition produces phase stable microemulsions with 5% magnesium monoperoxyphthalate.
• sea water was used instead of tap water to form the microemulsion with magnesium monoperoxyphthalate as the reagent the viscosity needed to allow it to cling to surfaces was not achieved and large amounts of foam were produced.
• magnesium monoperoxyphthalate with sodium percarbonate or buffer causes the CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 tap water solution to form a gel which rapidly loses structure upon F32 composition addition.
• a hybrid of the two was formed (F32/F12 hybrid). The increased surfactant level of the hybrid formulation compared with F32 did not improve the stability in the presence of sea water, or sodium percarbonate.
• Xanthan gum was identified as a potential alternative to CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 as thickener, in particular KZAN (Kelzan STM; CPKelco).
• KZAN Kelzan STM; CPKelco
• a dispersion of KZAN in monopropylene glycol (20% w/v) was added to F32 composition (20% w/w) to give a composition (F36) that thickened immediately when diluted (20% v/v) in water, and was stable with 5% magnesium monoperoxyphthalate.
• the result was therefore 0.8% thickener in the microemulsion, significantly less than the 2.5% CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 required, and it would not need to be supplied/added to the decontaminant as a separate powder.
• the KZAN settled to the bottom of the formulation composition on standing but readily re-dispersed by stirring or shaking. Adding the KZAN directly to the F32 composition (3.4% w/w) gave a dispersion of the thickener which settled on standing and, once re-dispersed, diluted to 20% v/v in water to give an immediately thickened microemulsion. 2.5% KZAN dispersed in the F32 composition, equivalent to 0.5% in the microemulsion, also gave a thickened formulation capable of clinging to vertical surfaces. Unlike CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 thickened microemulsions there was no increase in viscosity after standing but there was a temperature dependence on the system. At higher temperatures more KZAN was required to maintain viscosity.
• the KZAN thickened formulation had greater stability in the presence of reagents than CarbapolTM Ultrez 10 thickened formulation.
• the microemulsions with sea water did not thicken, but did not separate within the first 30 min when stability is critical.
• TMS solubility of TMS in the xanthan thickened formulation was investigated using test 2 and test 3.
• the formulation clung to the surface of the vertical test plates of test 3 for the 30 min soak.
• the recovery of TMS from the plates after decontamination with xanthan thickened microemulsions was much greater than comparable results using unthickened formulation or Ultrez 10 thickened microemulsions (with the exception of test 3 using unthickened formulation where run-off is an issue).
• the optimum composition for stabilising sodium percarbonate was therefore 50% diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, 20% dibasic ester solvent and 30% C 9 -C 11 alcohol ethoxylate 6EO (F51). It was also found that a soap comprising TOFA25 (tall oil fatty acid with 25-30% rosin acids) and triethanolamine (F48; F49) could provide stability in the presence of 5% sodium percarbonate. None of the F32, F48 or F49 based microemulsions (20% v/v) appeared to phase separate within the first 3 h of standing when magnesium monoperoxyphthalate was added to them.
• Xanthan gum increased the viscosity of the soap containing formulations as expected until magnesium monoperoxyphthalate was added and the thickening effect was lost.
• the formulation did not therefore cling to vertical test plates long enough for TMS to be solubilised.
• the viscosity was however retained in the presence of magnesium monoperoxyphthalate when the microemulsion was made with 15% v/v of composition rather than 20% v/v.
• the microemulsions did however appear to retain more viscosity when the TOFA25 soap was replaced by a TOFA1 (tall oil fatty acid 1) comprising soap.
• TOFA1 total oil fatty acid 1
• MonotropeTM 810 (Uniquema), a blend of potassium salts of octanoic acid and decanoic acids, was chosen to incorporate into the compositions as less was required than either the phosphate ester potassium salt or MonotropeTM 1620 alkyl polysaccharide. The inclusion of MonotropeTM 810 within the compositions resulted in the soap content being halved (F53 and F54) and the stability of 20% v/v dilutions with sodium percarbonate retained.
• Test 2 was performed using unthickened formulations to assess the effect of compositions F32, F48, F49, F51 and F53 on the solubility of TMS (Table 3).
• composition Test 2 (20% v/v Difference from F32 % TMS % TMS dil. in water) composition recovery recovery - rpt F32 15.9 12.8 F48 10% soap replacing glycol 17.6 15.2 F49 10% soap replacing alcohol 44.3 37.8 ethoxylate F51 10% extra alcohol 36.3 33.1 ethoxylate replacing dibasic ester solvent F53 5% soap, 5% Monotrope TM 34.1 35.5 810 replacing glycol
• the F48 based formulation was therefore almost as efficient at removal of TMS as the unthickened F32 based formulation, suggesting that reducing the level of glycol in the formulation has little effect on solubility of chemical warfare agents.
• the other composition based formulations however had a much reduced solubility of TMS.
• a decontamination formulation comprising a 20% v/v dilution of F54 in water was shown to have the solubility characteristics required to thoroughly decontaminate chemical warfare agent decontaminated surfaces (see Example 3).
• the F54 microemulsion did thicken with CarbapolTM Ultrez 10, when magnesium monoperoxyphthalate was present, though not to the same extent as the F32 based formulation.
• the incorporation of KZAN gave little thickening to the microemulsion, though when applied to a vertical surface a thin layer did cling. This could be improved by doubling the amount of KZAN in the composition to 5%.
• Composition F54 which is F32 with the addition of soap and hydrotrope, is phase stable when diluted to 20%, and with the her addition of 5% magnesium monoperoxyphthalate or 5% sodium percarbonate.
• Magnesium monoperoxyphthalate is suitable for decontamination of mustard (bis-(2-chloroethyl)sulphide (sulfur mustard) and biological agents, whilst sodium percarbonate is suitable for decontamination of G nerve agents and V nerve agents.
• Composition F54 plus 5% xanthan gum thickener initially produces a viscous microemulsion upon addition of a sodium percarbonate solution. Added to water alone greater viscosity is observed which is largely retained on the addition of magnesium monoperoxyphthalate.
• the magnesium monoperoxyphthalate must be added to the composition After the water/F54/xanthan mix has thickened.
• the dilution of F54 can be thickened with CarbopolTM Ultrez 10 (2.5% in microemulsion, added to water with the active reagent prior to adding the composition); it does not give as much viscosity to the microemulsion as it does to F32.
• Unthickened F54 remains phase stable at room temperature for 30 min when diluted 20% v/v with sea water, with 5% magnesium monoperoxyphthalate.
• the microemulsions formed are environmentally benign.
• a composition was developed with increased foaming properties and foam stability (F55). Comparisons with unthickened F32 based microemulsion were made by shaking in stoppered measuring cylinders and observing the amount of foam and stability. Incorporation of a small amount of thickener, for example 1% Ultrez 10 added to F32 composition, would also aid foam stability. Applying F32 unthickened based microemulsion as foam to test 3 plates resulted in high recoveries of TMS (32.5 and 34.1%). Although these recoveries would be expected to improve with specialist equipment, the foam would not give such a good contact with the surface to be decontaminated as a thickened formulation would.
• the NATO criterion of ⁇ 10 ⁇ g cm ⁇ 2 residual mustard agent for ‘thorough’ decontamination corresponds with ⁇ 0.66% of the initial 15.2 g m ⁇ 2 used in these laboratory tests.
• the NATO criterion of ⁇ 1 ⁇ g cm ⁇ 2 residual VX for ‘thorough’ decontamination corresponds with ⁇ 0.079% of the initial 12.6 g m ⁇ 2 .
• the conservatively assumed criterion of ⁇ 1 ⁇ g cm ⁇ 2 residual GD for ‘thorough’ decontamination corresponds with ⁇ 0.082% of the initial 12.2 g m ⁇ 2 .
• composition A with 5% sodium percarbonate achieved decontamination of VX.
• concentration of percarbonate is crucial; in addition to the peroxy anion, at ⁇ 5% percarbonate the true peroxycarbonate ion was also produced.
• Peroxycarbonate is an oxidative catalyst, which is likely to oxidise the sulfur atom of VX and enhance subsequent perhydrolysis.
• Biological agent simulant decontamination was performed with a decontamination formulation comprising a 20% v/v dilution of F54 plus 5% magnesium monoperoxyphthalate.
• Test plates consisted of 80 ⁇ 40 mm alurinium panels coated with a standard military polyurethane paint coating. The plates were prepared for the biological decontamination test by pipetting drops of an aqueous suspension of spores of Bacillus atrophaeus (BG) onto the surface, then allowing to dry in a class III biological safety cabinet. This process protects the test pieces from adventitious contamination, whilst preventing the spores from contaminating the laboratory.
• BG Bacillus atrophaeus
• the spore suspension was standardised to give 3 ⁇ 10 8 spores per ml and applied at a level of 0.1 ml per test piece, giving a final load of approximately 3 ⁇ 10 7 spores per test piece.
• the final concentration of spores (nominally 9.4 ⁇ 10 9 spores m ⁇ 2 ) is substantially in excess of the NATO recommended “Essential” challenge level of 10 9 spores (1 mg) per square metro.
• Contaminated plates were mounted in the test rig in both the vertical and horizontal positions, and treated with two 4 minute applications of decontaminant, at intervals of 15 minutes, followed by a water rinse.
• the decontamination formulation was delivered using a Hozelock Polyspray sprayer.
• the NATO ‘Essential’ requirement for decontamination of Bacillus anthracis is a residual contamination ⁇ 1000 Colony Forming Units (CFU) m ⁇ 2 and the ‘Desirable’ requirement is ⁇ 20 CFU m ⁇ 2 .
• CFU Colony Forming Units
• the ‘Essential’ level would equate to ⁇ 3.2 CFU per plate, or in whole numbers, a total of 16 per 5 plates tested.
• the ‘Desirable’ level is not measurable on this test system.

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